Magical NIKKEI Pop-Up Dinner by Chef Daniel Urdaneta + Alan Wong

I had to pinch myself to check whether I was dreaming or if it was real.

Like a fairytale dream come true, NIKKEI emerged out of the thundering clouds early Wednesday evening and exceeded all expectations for a truly extraordinary pop-up dining experience. Not only were we blessed with absolutely the best weather known to Beijing, the two talented teams behind Mosto and Hatsune created something spectacular behind those linen curtains. As guests arrived on the 4th floor rooftop of Nali Patio, they knew they were a part of something special, feeling like they just walked into Beijing’s best kept secret.

Set-Up Like A Secret Begging to Be Discovered

With Mosto’s talented Anna Lin Yip as the mastermind for the set-up and decor of the event, she achieved a perfect balance between Peruvian and Japanese styles – vibrant colors displayed in a simple, yet thoughtful manner. On one side of the patio rooftop was a high table lined with liquor bottles of varying heights holding simple, elegant fresh flower arrangements and candles everywhere.

The Lovely Anna Lin Yip Gives the Pop-Up her Magic Touch

Opposite the main dining area was where most guests gathered upon arrival. Nikkei’s pop-up cocktail bar served up three unique cocktails – Original Pisco Sour, Passion for Pisco (with fresh passionfruit) and Lychee Sake Martinis. DJ Alex Molina set the mood with his turn-tables alongside a plush lounge with a gorgeous, inviting display of carpets and cushions to sit back and fully appreciate the dramatic, breathtaking sunset.

DJ Alex Molina (who also happens to be Co-Founder of the Mosto Restaurant Group)

Pop-Up Cocktail Bar

Cocktail Menu

That Passion for Pisco Cocktail was Summer in a Glass

Best Photobomb of the evening!

A culinary collaboration between Chef Daniel Urdaneta (of Mosto fame) and Alan Wong (Hatsune restaurant group), these two creative brains were ready to blow Beijing away with something they’ve not experienced before. A cooking style derived from the Japanese diaspora who migrated to South America and used their techniques to transform local dishes using raw seafood and fresh Peruvian produce, Nikkei is a cuisine has now come to define Peruvian cuisine and is now a growing food trend taking London, Paris, Lima, Barcelona and Miami by storm.

A project long in the works, the two gracious hosts joined forces to create a pop-up dinner concept inspired by NIKKEI, combining their respective backgrounds to fuse both Peruvian and Japanese cuisine using the absolute best ingredients they could both source.

Chef’s Table

Chef Daniel Urdaneta Prepping the Pass-Around Canapes

Alan Wong Greets Guests with Canapes

Bird’s Eye View of the Patio Set-Up from Migas’ Rooftop

As the sun set, the event’s honored guests found a seat at the tall table. As the champagne was poured, Chef Daniel and Alan welcomed everyone to their very own Nikkei Pop-Up dining experience. With black and white samurai films projected onto the white wall, the chefs got to work on a long table set in the middle of the guests for a very “open kitchen” dining experience.

Each of the 12 courses came out one after the other with everything from champagne, sake, white and red wines being paired with each course.

Sit back as you scroll through these snapshots that walk you through the 12 course dinner menu.